On the 7th September 2015 Springboard and the British Hospitality Association will host the first ever Big Hospitality Conversation focused on Careers in Housekeeping, at The Dorchester.

Housekeeping professionals from across the UK will come together on Monday 7th September at the iconic British hotel, The Dorchester, to pledge job opportunities, apprenticeships and work placements to students and job seekers looking to get into a career within housekeeping as part of Springboard’s Housekeeping Careers Festival, A Day to Sparkle.

Changing perceptions

“The Housekeeping Careers Festival is all about changing perceptions of careers in Housekeeping and hospitality. We aim to show that it’s not just about making beds or cleaning, there are a variety of career opportunities that lead to great roles. Management level jobs are not far away for people who show hard work and a willingness to learn and, with amazing rewards, why would you not consider this industry.” Anne Pierce MBE Chief Executive, Springboard.

UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) state that over 600,000 jobs will be available in hospitality by 2020, however 32% of vacancies will be hard to fill due to skills shortages. These include jobs in housekeeping and accommodation management as a career in this sector is perceived as unskilled, low paid with no real rewards.

Springboard, a charity that has supported young people, the unemployed and those facing barrier to work into sustainable employment within the hospitality industry over the last 25 years, aims to raise the profile of the career opportunities available in Housekeeping and Accommodation Management through increasing awareness, inspiring people of the amazing progression routes available and helping career seekers kick start their future in Housekeeping.

Offering great career prospects

Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the British Hospitality Association said: “The Big Hospitality Conversation is bringing jobseekers and business leaders together to talk about careers in hospitality and tourism. In just two years, over 2,000 businesses have engaged and helped to change the lives of over 43,000 young people with new career opportunities in the industry.

“Housekeeping is one of the career paths in hospitality offering an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, growing and competitive sector with great prospects for growth.”

Jutta Asta, Executive Housekeeper, The Dorchester also commented “If nothing else, I want the enduring message for those attending the Big Hospitality Conversation to be that housekeeping offers great career prospects. When I hire a room attendant, I’m looking at their future potential to be an Executive Housekeeper.”

“Over the past year, 25 people from my department were promoted, some within the department and some into other departments such as spa and F&B within The Dorchester. Hospitality is a multi-faceted career full of many great opportunities with the potential to grow.”

Whether you are a school, college or business, Springboard is calling on you to get involved with The Housekeeping Careers Festival – A Day to Sparkle, where you can gain an insight into the vast progression routes and job opportunities available and celebrate the pride, skill and professionalism of Housekeeping and Accommodation staff.